“There’s going to be a lot of comparisons because she can pass and shoot,” said Bird, whose 7-6 Storm is trying to stop a two-game skid. “And it’s true. She’s legit.”

Sloot on the Sue Bird comparisons…

“Sue is way beyond anything I am right now,” said Vandersloot, seventh in the league among active players in assists (4.6). Bird is fourth (5.2). “I’ve looked up to her since I was younger and I’m going to keep trying to learn from her. I’ve watched clips and every time (with USA Basketball) that I had a question, I’d go to Sue.”

Coach Pokey Chatman on Sloot/Bird comparisons…

“The difference with Courtney is that Sue has been fortunate to have a cast around her that could carry her, and she could carry them,” Chatman said. “With ‘Sloot, that’s not established, yet, and she’s also a rookie. But I think their games are similar.

“Sue, she’s Rain Man. She remembers every play, every player, every action for the last four years. If Courtney can get close to that, she’ll be sensational.”

Fowles on Sloot…

“I’m happy she’s my point guard,” Fowles said of Vandersloot. “She can get the ball through three people and I’m like, ‘Uh, OK, make a move!’ I tend to get happy feet. Her court vision is great.”

Sloot on life in the WNBA…

“I didn’t realize it was so different here,” she said. “What would be open in college isn’t because of the other players’ level of skill and understanding of the game. It’s not that everyone is athletic. It’s they’re athletic and they understand it, and they’re talented. If I can let loose and play, then that’s better. But it’s tough to let loose because it doesn’t come natural.”

The humility and her soft smile is a sign Vandersloot remains that small-town baller.

She played hoops with the neighborhood boys, underestimated because of her frame until she whizzed by for a layin or zipped a no-look pass.

Another difference? At Gonzaga, everything she needed was five minutes away. Not so anymore.

“I was driving 45 minutes trying to find a Target and was like, ‘This is absurd!’ ” said Vandersloot, who lives in suburban Chicago. “It’s different because I’ve never really been that far from home. But I like the big city and the weather out here.

“I’m starting to settle down and feel like this is home. It’s still a whirlwind that I’m actually here and it’s so much faster and there are so many games in a week. I’m trying to adjust to that. But I have a lot of support.

I’m not much of a Sue Bird fan so I really don’t care for the Sloot/Bird comparisons. But Bird is widely considered one of the best point guards in the league so the ‘rook is in good company.

I love it how Pokey called Sue Bird “Rain Man” 🙂

I’m excited for the Sloot/Bird matchup tonight at Allstate.

Tip time is 6pm.

The game is also on ESPN2.

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Also, while we’re on the subject of Vandersloot, let me link to her new website — www.CourtneyVandersloot.com. It’s really cool so check it out, especially the “Romeo” section…so cute!